Iran now accepts cryptocurrency payments for arms exports

Iran officially allows foreign customers to pay for weapons with cryptocurrency, in addition to barter and the Iranian rial, according to confirmation from the Defense Export Center (Mindex) under the country’s Ministry of Defense. The move is seen as a solution to bypass the prolonged sanctions imposed by the US and Europe, which restrict Iran’s access to the international banking system.

Mindex has updated payment terms and publicly listed the weapons catalog on its website, including the Emad ballistic missile, Shahed UAV, Shahid Soleimani-class warships, air defense systems, and infantry weapons. The agency affirms that sanctions will not affect the delivery schedule.

Analysts note that Iran publicly accepting cryptocurrency for strategic weapon exports is rare, potentially setting a new precedent and increasing concerns about global arms trade control amid the growing prevalence of digital finance.